NORTHERN WORKS.

Northern Advocate, 5 June 1920, Page 2

NORTHERN WORKS.

NEED FOE DEVELOPMENT

INTERVIEW WITH MEMBERS,

PROMISES OP HELP

(Special to "Advocate.")

An important meeting was held under the auspices of the Auckland Railways League in the Chamber of Commerce rooms, Auckland, on Friday afternoon for the purpose of discussing provincial needs in the way of railways and roads. The chair was occupied by Mr A. J. Eiatrican (deputy-Mayor), supported by Mr Cheal (president of the League) while the following members of Parliament were present:—Sir F. Lang (Speaker of the House), Messrs Mander, Poland, Potter, Hockley, Savage. Parry, Bartiam and Bollard. NEED FOR PUSH. Mr Cheal, in introducing the business of the meeting, dealt, amongst other things, with the advisability of connecting up the 215 miles of line lying between Auckland and Kaikohe. It was the connecting lines which were wanted at once and at the lowest, cost. It was not too much to ask that mcmi bers should give these matters their attention HYDRO-ELECTRIC SCHEMES. After Mr Cheal had spoken on rail- | way matters, Mr Crookes briefly dealt with the proposals to develop the hydro-electrical power of the Dominion. The water-power he explained as the "while coal o.f New Zealand." In this connection there was a fine example in California. He urged the energetic following up of the Awapuni scheme, and held that if Government was not prepared to iind the money avenues should be opened for private investment. He hoped that the members returned would not only fight for roads, railways and bridges, but also hydroelectric power, of which at least 100,000 h.p. was going to waste in the Waikato alone. GOOD ROADS.

The question, of good roads was raised by Mr W. H. Wynyard, chairman of the Good Eoads Association, He referee! to the formation of the association and hoped that the policy of the new Minister for Public Works would lead to development. He held that those who looked for an improvement in the reading system should take as a guide the fact that the property owner, the user of the road, and the State were all involved in the expenditure. He also referred to the formation of a main road from Helensville to Auckland and Hamilton. He pointed out. that the Northern counties bad raised loans for the construction of such a road and said that Whangarei was the only county objecting to the route. He hoped that the Northern members would do their best to secure an agreement. MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT. The chairman then called upon the various members of Parliament present to express their views in regard to tie proposals-put forth at the conference. The members were asked to speak in alphabetical order, but Mr Mander was at first given leave of absence,

Mr Bai'tram agreed that much was being spent upon railways which would be absolutely no good to the present generation. He held that money could be well spent for this day and generation. He also favoured the introduction of light railways.

Sir Frederick Lang said he felt sure they would all do their best for the Auckland district.

Mr Bollard said lie was on the lookout for hints from the meeting. In so far as a public works policy was concerned, he held that roads were the principal factors, but he urged self-re-liance in helping Government to find the money for roading." He favoured th ceompletion of the railways under construction.

Mr Hockley endorsed the statements expressed, but at the same time put in a strong plea for the prosecution of a lino from Eotorua to Taupo, and he agreed that, if the country was to carry its big debt, facilities would have to be given for production.

Mr Parry referred to his recent visit to W&aiigarei and the North, and expressed his belief in a strong, bold roading and railway policy. He suggested that it would be a good thing if members of Parliament could meet the set-, tiers in the mud. When the Waikiekie tunnel was finished it would prove of great benefit. To promote the prosecution of public works he urged that national organisation was necessaiy. The road should not follow the farmer, but the farmer should follow the road.

Mr H. Poland referred to the fact that past efforts had not been successful, although they had professed to be united. If this unity had boon real they would not be here -again. The works mentioned were of national importance, but unless they could convince Cabinet they would not get justice. He also agreed with Mr Parry that it was necessary to get labour and offer reasonable conditions.

Mr Potter (Roskill) agreed th-it thero ■vvero only two things in the way—labour and money. A deputation should go to Wellington. It was only waste of time to get individual (.pinions. Ho approved of lines being completed and made interest-earning.

Mr Rhodes, who has for some sessions represented Thames, professed to know a good deal of the needs of the North and would do all he could to further the interests expressed at the meeting. He, pointed out that there were not the men in New Zealand to carry out the necessary works, and he advo cated a policy of sound immigration. Conditions justified the raising of not only two millions, but a decent loan.

Mr Savage, alphabetically one of the last members to apeak, supported the development of hydro-electrical power.

Touching upon the question of the want of money, he contended that Qoverm-

nient could easily raise the money. If they did not face the necessity they would be left behind. As Air Parry had said, the road should go ahead of fhe farmer. If they wished to open up fertile lands they must give the facilities to get there. Hu appreciated the interest shown by the representatives of the various organisations pro-

If they showod tkbii require meats they could rely upon the mem bers of Parliament to serve them.

sent,

Mr Spencer, for the Employers' Association, and Mr Baukurt, for the Chamber of Commerce, expressed agreement with the desire for progress.

THANKS.

I The chairman and deputy-Mayor then moved a vote of thanks to the members of Parliament for their attendance, at the same time expressing the hope that lhe representations made would receive

consideration,

Mr R. Alexander, as representing the North, seconded the motion. So far as the Main North Road was concerned, Whangarei county did not wish to block it as suggested—it was only desired that it should follow the lino which would serve population. The completion of the railway lisk to over 80 miles beyond Whangarei would be a big thing for the Dominion,, for Auckland and for Whangarei, and he could assure them of the hearty co-operation of the Northern people.

The motion was carried unanimously,